Iconic 70s band cancels entire European tour ahead of lead singer’s ‘medical procedure’-Tori Brazier-Entertainment – Metro

American rock band Heart have been forced to cancel their European tour (Picture: Getty)

An iconic American rock group who first found fame in the 1970s before a second wave of success in the 1980s have had to abruptly cancel their highly anticipated European tour.

Heart, who have sold over 35million records and scored four Grammy nominations, were set to kick off the European leg of their Royal Flush Tour in Antwerp, Belgium on June 20, but have now been forced to call it off.

The band shared their ‘deep regret’ that lead singer and co-founder Ann Wilson is due to undergo a ‘time-sensitive medical procedure’ with a long recovery window, putting the kibosh on their run of summer shows in countries including the UK.

Heart – thought to be the first rock group fronted by a woman – took to their social media accounts on Wednesday night to share the disappointing news with fans.

‘We regret to inform you that all upcoming Heart performances in Europe are cancelled,’ Heart wrote in a statement posted on YouTube.

‘In late May, Ann Wilson will undergo a time-sensitive but routine medical procedure for which the minimum recovery time is six weeks.’

Lead singer Ann Wilson (R, pictured with guitarist Tom Bukovac) is due to undergo a ‘time-sensitive’ medical procedure (Picture: Getty)

The band’s original lineup comprised of (back, from L) Roger Fisher, Howard Leese, Ann Wilson, Michael DeRosier, and (front, from L) Steve Fossen and Nancy Wilson (Picture: Getty)

It continued: ‘Heart deeply regrets this unfortunate circumstance and hopes to return to Europe soon. Refunds will be available at point of purchase as applicable.’

Heart’s dates included 14 concerts in France, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Belgium across June and July.

Their six UK shows were due to take place in London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow between July 1 and 9.

The band, initially comprised of sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, guitarist Roger Fisher, bass player Steve Fossen, drummer Michael Derosier and Howard Leese, is best known for chart-topping singles including Magic Man, Crazy on You and Barracuda in the 70s.

They then had a comeback with These Dreams and their classic cover of Alone in the 1980s.

Sisters Nancy and Ann Wilson are the enduing members of Heart (Picture: Getty)

The band was set to play Europe, including six dates in the UK, but singer Ann has reassured fans she is ‘okay’ (Picture: Getty)

Their Royal Flush Tour was going to see Ann and Nancy Wilson reunite and perform alongside Ryan Waters, Ryan Wariner, Paul Moak, Tony Lucido and Sean T. Lane.

Ann, 73, followed up the official statement by posting it to her own Instagram, adding a message of reassurance to her folowers.

‘I’m okay! Please don’t worry,’ she wrote in the post’s caption.

‘I do apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. It’s certainly an inconvenience for me,’ the singer joked, without revealing anything further as to the nature of her procedure.

Heart performing in 1977, during the first peak of their career (Picture: Getty)

She then signed off: ‘Love & respect always, Ann.’

‘Take care of yourself, Ann. Best wishes to you! ❤️❤️,’ responded Nancy Sinatra in the comments, while her fans also shared their well wishes.

‘No apologies needed. You come first,’ wrote @carson_rac_, while Heidi Ely replied: ‘I hope you will be well and fit again soon. Speedy recovery! ❤️’

‘Your health comes first!’ added Tracy Langlands.

Ann also receives a lot of love from her fanbase for her trademark powerful vocals, which are quite something to behold.

In comments under one of her more recent Instagram posts, she has been praised for having ‘the greatest voice in the history of rock’ and being ‘a magic woman’ and ‘true icon’.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More